Megan McGrath

A conversation with Megan McGrath

• What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

  I've always been drawn to people’s stories—what shapes them, what helps them heal, and how they move through challenge. After years in health and wellness coaching, I wanted to go deeper. Counselling felt like the natural next step to support others in a more meaningful, grounded way.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  I’m influenced by strengths-based and solution-focused philosophies, which focus on what's working and build on a client’s existing resources. I also draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), both of which offer powerful tools for emotional regulation and self-awareness. Practical somatic strategies also shape my work—supporting clients to understand and work with their nervous system, not against it.

• Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

  I’m deeply interested in emotional resilience, nervous system regulation, and how our early relationships shape our sense of safety and self. I’m also passionate about helping teens and parents feel more connected and capable through life’s unpredictable seasons.

• What methods do you use?

  My work blends evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, ACT, solution-focused and somatic strategies, all within a compassionate, trauma-informed and relational framework. Sessions are tailored, practical, and grounded in real life.

• When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

  In a solution-focused approach, progress can often be felt early on, even in small ways. Sometimes it’s a new insight, a shift in perspective, or simply the relief of feeling heard and not alone. I help clients identify what’s already working, and build on their existing strengths. Together we set clear, meaningful goals and track change over time. Progress isn’t always linear, but noticing those small wins along the way, feeling calmer, more in control, or responding differently in tough moments is a powerful sign that something’s shifting.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  For me, therapy has been like a great life tune-up, helping me pause, reflect, and grow into a better version of myself. It’s supported me to understand my patterns, manage stress more effectively, and stay grounded through challenging times. It’s also helped me shift from striving to 'fix' things, to accepting myself more fully while still wanting to grow. Therapy has given me space towards feeling more content, fulfilled, and aligned with what matters most. It’s something I return to when I need clarity or feel off track, like a reset for my mind, body, and emotional wellbeing.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  Absolutely and all the time! My morning routine always gets a sweat on either with running or a gym session - a ponytail or a bun slicked back is practically my daily uniform.

• What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

  Disconnection—both from ourselves and each other. We’re more digitally connected than ever, but often less emotionally connected and present in real life. Social media plays a big part in that. It fuels constant comparison, perfectionism, and the feeling that we’re never doing or being enough. It’s especially hard for young people, who are growing up in a world that rarely lets them switch off, slow down, or just be. The pressure to always be ‘on’, always polished, always perfect, it’s exhausting. I think we need to come back to what’s real, human, and good enough. That starts with deeper connection, more compassion, and spaces where people can show up as they are.

• Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

  The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. It’s simple, profound, and a beautiful reminder of the power of kindness, courage, and connection.